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UNMC designated as Ebola training and education center

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has given the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) the designation of a National Ebola Training and Education Center, the office of U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer announced on Wednesday. | Courtesy of UNMC

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has given the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) the designation of a National Ebola Training and Education Center, the office of U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer announced on Wednesday.

According to the announcement, the medical facility has been preparing itself and its staff to be able to treat and manage highly infectious diseases like the Ebola virus. The facility joins Emory University in Georgia and Bellevue Hospital in New York. Together the facilities will develop policies and the best practices for the treatment and management of Ebola and other emerging, exotic diseases.

“Nebraska is leading the nation in health research and treatment," Fischer said. "Today’s designation by HHS shows that the men and women of UNMC have achieved remarkable advancements in the fight against dangerous diseases. Congratulations to Chancellor Gold and the staff of UNMC on this well-deserved achievement.”

As a part of the designation, the UNMC will also take part in the education of identification and screening facilities, treatment centers and regional centers across the country.

The UNMC received praise for their effective treatment of relief workers sent to West African countries who had contracted the virus during the current outbreak. It was also among nine health centers to create a national network for the treatment of infectious diseases.